Donald Trump said Monday that his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains at a "very good" level, despite a public rift between Washington and Jerusalem over the American plan for the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu had already voiced reservations about the text, which is meant to advance the so-called second phase of Trump's plan for the Palestinian territory. On Sunday he said he rejects it.
Netanyahu on withdrawal and disarmament
Netanyahu said the Israeli military would not carry out any withdrawal from Gaza until Hamas is truly disarmed, and that his government does not accept the 15-point document, a position shared by his far-right allies ahead of parliamentary elections this fall.
He called Trump "the greatest friend of Israel in the White House" but made clear he intends to push back, saying the Americans have ideas, some acceptable and some not, and that Israel knows how to defend its positions.
Strain since April
The relationship appeared strained in April, when, during US-Iran ceasefire negotiations, Trump used unusually harsh language against Netanyahu, accusing him of trying to undermine Washington's efforts.
